nerdstrike

Greetings everyone. I've had my Red 86 for just over a year now, and it's time to get more informed and invested in the car. My slithery new car (the newest I have ever owned) is the "sensible" option to keep my soul alive after a tawdry affair with an RX8 began to jeopardise my chances of getting to work. So here I am, looking to learn. A hearty greeting to you all!

Ooh, it does look a bit scooby, but not out of place.

Aside from the negligence, the mechanical consequences are minimal as long as the sump had plenty in it. It's lucky you noticed!

Anyone else received a letter from a Toyota dealer, where the whole content is "GOOD NEWS...!! We have been asked to contact you regarding some good news about your existing vehicle. Please call me on 01908248911 quoting ref TGB-K48 for further information" "* This is not a circular; you are a nominated customer requested by Toyota GB from our existing records. ** This nomination related to vehicle registration ......." Firstly, I hope my vehicle exists, and secondly, why won't they actually tell me in a letter what it's about? It smells of sharp marketing to me, wondered who was being showered with these letters.

I was over in Japan last week, I should have stopped by a Toyota office and requested they reign in these errant franchises putting a black mark against their name.

Actually, I see http://www.gt86ownersclub.co.uk/forum/good-news-letter_topic6887.html shows it's their latest assault on customers who lack the willingness to buy new cars along with the Sunday papers.

Yeah, I get the new car exclusive bargain miracles-will-occur events stuff from them too. They've written to me five times about servicing being overdue (got Lancaster in Cambridge to handle it) but this is a new theme.

That yellow is too brave for me, but I still secretly wanted one.

If it hasn't already happened, paint codes and model iterations are exactly the sorts of things that should be FAQed/stickied. Not an issue now, but in five years, that information will be solid gold.

I'm confused. There have been high tech engines doing injector shut-off on coast since the nineties. There are also V8's that turn off half their cylinders in low power scenarios. I know the compression braking will slow the vehicle anyway, but it seems rather a desperate measure to combine coasting with a switched off engine. The energy needed to spin up the flywheel to idle is probably quite large compared with that saved by removing the engine braking.

I know this is lame, but I just pulled my cabin filter (which should have been changed back in September), and found it to be a bit mucky as expected, but is it supposed to be grey-ish? I'm trying to decide whether they scammed me on the filter, or whether it's got some carbon in it for odour reduction.

Curious idea with the variable supercharger! The industry is really throwing everything in to see what sticks: small engine + turbo v-charge + small engine + turbo engine-electric hybrid (prius style) electric-assisted petrol + turbo (torque filling) electric only petrol-assisted electric (range extender) hydrogen fuel cells

I'm only 5' 10" and I've noticed the lack of lower back shape. I've got a longer than average body which means the seat shape tends to make me stoop if it's too upright. My fix is to have a passenger behind me, and then their knees become lower back support...

I say this in contrast to the RX8, which was reasonably popular, and an old E36 evo which got major props from the car nerds but all gaps closed before you...

Buy four and do a Fifth Gear. Should be a hoot! See also Mr Harris

Addendum: My goodness, drivers seem to fall over themselves to let me out at junctions. I got let out by both lanes this morning! I think these cars have a heartwarming influence on other drivers.

Speaking from my RX8 club experiences and the cheap as chips exhaust parts, the low prices can come with hidden consequences. Many members bought toyosport catbacks and some went for manifolds too. Catbacks could be had for as little as £180. The main criticisms were fitment - the catback sometimes had exhaust tips that weren't level, the manifold wouldn't seal properly to the block because it was warped. Those that kept them were at least 50% happy, with some finding exhaust resonance driving them nuts, and others having baffles blowing out, or just finding heavy corrosion after little time. The sports cats had good flow, but some didn't even pass emissions in their first year. Now obviously those that were happy, were very happy for the price they paid. You can buy two for the price of the named parts and they often flow well, but by contrast those that went for the quality parts didn't see anywhere near so many issues. Yes, you're paying a larger profit margin, and yes it won't necessarily do a better job, but some of the price is a fit guaranteed by the manufacturer's reputation. The rotary pushes a lot of hot exhaust so perhaps the problems are not so big for the FA20. Quality control may still be a big factor.

Good luck with your new car! I love the Aero sills and rims.

I've heard of these OBD port devices rewriting the pedal position signal on the throttle, or as Gringo says, overrides the sensor signals to increase fuelling. It might not even do anything at all. If it were actually increasing torque, it would have to be messing with the tune of the car based on no understanding of the car itself and what is safe. Either way, it's all a scam and worth less than its weight in manure.

Hi everyone, I'm looking for offers of original wheels that are languishing in your collective sheds. My current wheels are becoming my winter set, and I can't quite will myself to give all my money to OZ. Condition of the rims themselves should be very good, tyres are not a concern, (as long as they're not autogrip or other travesties). My preference is for Cambridgeshire and neighbouring counties, so I can come pick them up in person.

My gut says these cars will be spanked mercilessly, sometimes from cold. It's rather like a rental car to the reviewers. Given the drift happy setup of the 86 it will have certainly been sideways on numerous occasions. It takes a toll on things like wheel bearings and such, not to mention lots of bouncing off the limiter. Wear and tear undermines any warranty, so it might add some bills further down the road. Personally I'd look elsewhere (and buy it in a proper colour...)

Wowee, so much choice! Sussex is a bit far, thanks Serikuto. Currently GT86Owner has my interest, but if it continues to be so farkin warm that you don't need a coat, I might need to accelerate the timeline to get back on summer tyres! Thanks everyone for your offers.

What's the capacity in the brake fluid reservoir like? If fluid gets changed with heavily worn brakes, you can overflow when you push the pistons in to replace the pads, at least on other cars.

I'm amazed at the dBs you're reporting for this unassuming 4-pot with one cat still in the pipe! We had difficulties with the RX8s + cobra exhaust + decat, but Wankels are properly loud for the power produced. The story was similar though. Decat + loud catback = trackday bans.

Ah good, well worn, but still useful, perhaps for playtime! I'll give it a few days before deciding however. I should at least wait for payday...